A 5000sqm parcel of land in a prime position at Bokarina remains vacant, despite Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) being granted development approval for an interim clubhouse and storage facility nearly three years ago.
At the time, SLSQ had expected the facility to be completed by September 2023.
A Sunshine Coast Council spokesperson told Sunshine Coast News that a condition of the development approval for Bokarina Beach required the transfer of a 5000sqm parcel of land from the developer, Stockland, to SLSQ to support lifesaving services in this area.
This site was intended to be developed by SLSQ for the purpose of a surf lifesaving facility and further required additional public amenities to be provided in conjunction with the development of that facility, the spokesperson said.
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As the land owner, SLSQ would be responsible for designing, constructing, funding and operating the facility, subject to approval by the council.
“It is understood that Surf Life Saving Queensland are still considering ultimate development outcomes for the site,” the council spokesperson said. “However, a development approval for an interim storage facility has been issued, with SLSQ yet to progress construction.”
On October 27, 2021, the council approved SLSQ’s Development Permit for Material Change of Use of Premises to Establish a Public Purpose (Surf Life Saving Club – Storage Facility) and another Development Permit for Operational Work (Engineering Works and Landscaping) at Lot 910 SP 310870 – 55 Bokarina Boulevard, Bokarina.
Notice of the decision was issued to SLSQ, through town planners Adams and Sparkes, in a letter dated November 10, 2021.
The council assessment report of MCU21/0036 and OPW21/0070 said that the proposed development consisted of a 72sqm building in the south-west corner of the lot, which would be used to store vehicles and equipment for the surf lifesaving club operations at Bokarina Beach.
The storage facility was to be located six metres from the south-western corner of the frontage, with the access driveway from Bokarina Boulevard to be located directly adjacent to the western boundary, the report stated.
The town planning report, prepared by Adams and Sparkes, said construction of the small, one-storey building on the subject site would “fulfil the need for an interim surf lifesaving club, to accommodate the immediate need for basic SLSQ beach monitoring and lifesaving operations on Bokarina Beach”.
“The proposed interim surf life saving club will primarily perform storage functions whilst a design for a full-scale surf life saving club is prepared in due course. Please note, the complete surf life saving club development is intended to be delivered in full by September 2023,” the report stated.
“The proposal will include the placement of bollards at the rear of the interim facility to inhibit parking on the remainder of the site, as well as to prevent vehicular access to the adjoining council-owned allotment.
“Upon completion of the full-scale surf lifesaving club, the proposed interim building will be retained on site for vehicle and equipment storage purposes.”
In its summary, the town planning report says: “The proposed development presents a contemporary architecturally designed storage building that considers the scenic amenity of the site with consideration to its prominent beachside location and existing streetscape character.”
Blackburne Jackson prepared the architectural design of the proposed Stage 1 development.
The council spokesperson said SLSQ lifeguards currently operated from a tower located on the ocean side of the Bokarina Beach dunal area and that this was the only built infrastructure servicing this lifeguard post.
The closest surf lifesaving clubs to Bokarina’s open surf beach are Kawana Waters to the north at Buddina, and Dicky Beach to the south.
In addition to the surf lifesaving facility, the council on November 20, 2020, approved a Public Access Club Facility located at Bombora Drive, Bokarina, referred to as the ‘Sunny Coast Shred Factory’.
The Sunny Coast Shred Factory is to include a two-storey development over two separate buildings comprising a mix of healthcare-related uses, office space, commercial and retail, an indoor pool (with kiosk) and an indoor and outdoor skatepark. The applicant has not yet progressed to construction.
Meanwhile, the Wurtulla lifeguard services, two beach accesses to the south at BA248, will cease operations in September this year.
The council spokesperson said that to ensure beachgoers were aware of the realignment of the seasonally patrolled Wurtulla Beach to Bokarina, signage would be put in place before and after the change occurred.
“The existing Wurtulla lifeguard tower will remain in place for the time being,” they said.
“Consideration is being given to where this tower could be repositioned to support regional lifeguard service planning and provision.”
The state government recently announced a record $125 million agreement with SLSQ to help continue the vital service for 10 more years.
It is due to start in July, when the current four-year, $30 million deal ends.
The commitment will include an immediate lift to infrastructure and equipment for every surf club in the state.
SCN approached SLSQ for comment.
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